I
can't believe it's been 6 months since I left Cape Town. There have been so
many highs and new friends and it has gone way too quickly. I think I need to
find a way to get my money to last longer as I just don't think a year is going
to be enough!

We
got up early to get the day and multiple bus journeys in opposite directions
going. Sarah was heading to Mindo and I am off back to Ayampe. We packed our
bags and then made our way for some breakfast and to settle our bill. There
were a few local guys on a surf trip who arrived at our hostel late last night
and Sarah managed to get a lift part of the way with them so we said our
farewells and I made my way to the road to wait for a bus.

It
was great having such an entertaining and easy going travel buddy but
fortunately all these great friendships will be picked up later in life
somewhere in the world.

As
I was walking to the road I saw my bus pass and was unable to run to catch it
so knew it would be a while until the next one. While I waited the road
trippers passed with their extra passenger and we waved goodbye. Fortunately
shortly afterwards my bus arrived and my solo journey recommenced.

It
started with a bus to Bahia where I waited for a while before catching another
bus to Jipijapa. On the bus I continued
to read while stealing a look out the window every now and again and was
surprised to see what looked like baobab and acacia trees. Nice way to be
reminded of home.


On
the bus I continued to read and before I knew it I had finished another book
(Who is Tom Ditto) and we were closing in on my next bus change in Jipijapa.

As
much chaos and shouting as there is at the bus terminals they are actually rather
efficient. I never know which platform to catch the bus from or which bus to
catch but there is always someone shouting destinations and others directing
me. When we arrived in Jipijapa I left the bus and very quickly was on another
one and I was on my way again.

On
the bus I decided it was time to start a new book. This time it was an actual
book that I got from Sarah called No Country for Old Men. It's good to pick up
a book again and turn real pages. It was another smooth transition to my final
bus in Puerto Lopez. We waited in the station for about 5 minutes before
heading to Ayampe.

Once
in Ayampe I made my way to the faithful Al Paso to grab a beer before going to
Sami to sort out somewhere to sleep. After a quick catch up I went in search of
Kristin and some food. I found Kristin first and we sat on the beach enjoying
the sunset before making our way to grab a beer and something to eat. We had
fish burgers and obviously some more beer.

After
dinner we went to the tienda and I grabbed some rum before heading back to my
hostel where I enjoyed a few drinks and tried to do some blog updating but
unfortunately the internet was a little too slow.

At
Semi's I met up with Blanca and Bruno who made it back to the hostel the day
after the hike. At first they were not very friendly but with a few cuddles and
loves they very quickly forgave me.

After
a few drinks I went to bed and watched a movie before calling it a night.